Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I was taken somewhat unawares with this question but nonetheless it is an area in which I have a particular interest. Is the promotion of heritage tourism in the country generally carried out as part of the overall activity and work of Fáilte Ireland and other agencies and within their yearly spend and investment? Does the Minister not believe the time has arrived when we should extrapolate heritage as a tourism interest area from the main, overall promotion and try to sell it more aggressively in tourist markets? I heartily concur with the remarks made by the Minister to the effect that heritage is a vital area and an important magnet for drawing overseas tourism to Ireland. It seems there is a need to focus on this area and to set targets and objectives to increase the numbers of heritage-interest tourists coming to Ireland.

I wish to put a supplementary question with regard to heritage sites generally, including the protection of architecture with which we are familiar. The development of lesser-known sites may involve or require a capital spend by local community groups, local authorities or the Department. Does the Minister envisage pursuing this aspect of the matter? To give an example, I have in mind the Williamite War in the years prior to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Several skirmishes occurred throughout County Louth. The Battle of the Boyne has an central, important role to play in the evolution and development of Irish history. Does the Minister not believe that such projects require a capital spend in order that people coming to Ireland who wish to further their knowledge and appreciation of the issues involved can visit sites that are clearly marked and where they can read tablets with suitable inscriptions on-site and at various points along the way?

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